Automation device comprising an interface for message-based and port-based accessing of an application

Abstract

The invention relates to an automation device and to an automation system provided with automation deices that enable the integration of automation devices that leads to a homogenous automation solution. The automation devices comprise at least one interface for the message-based and port-based access to at least one application provided by the automation device. This application provides a functionality, uses internet mechanisms, and the interface is written using meta-information. The applications of the automation devices in the automation system comprise means for directly communicating with one another.

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . An automation device comprising: 
 at least one interface for message-based and port-based accessing of at least one application provided by the automation device, wherein    the application provides a functionality and employs internet mechanisms, and wherein    the interface being described using meta information.    
   
   
       10 . The automation device according to  claim 9 , wherein the application uses web service technology.  
   
   
       11 . The automation device according to  claim 9 , wherein the application is stateless.  
   
   
       12 . The automation device according to  claim 10 , wherein the application is stateless.  
   
   
       13 . The automation device according to  claim 9 , wherein the interface is an XML interface.  
   
   
       14 . The automation device according to  claim 10 , wherein the interface is an XML interface.  
   
   
       15 . The automation device according to  claim 11 , wherein the interface is an XML interface.  
   
   
       16 . The automation device according to  claim 9 , wherein a memory area is provided for storing information about the application.  
   
   
       17 . The automation device according to  claim 10 , wherein a memory area is provided for storing information about the application.  
   
   
       18 . The automation device according to  claim 11 , wherein a memory area is provided for storing information about the application.  
   
   
       19 . The automation device according to  claim 13 , wherein a memory area is provided for storing information about the application.  
   
   
       20 . An automation system comprising 
 at least one automation device, wherein the automation device comprises 
 at least one interface for message-based and port-based accessing of at least one application provided by the automation device, wherein  
 the application provides a functionality and employs internet mechanisms, wherein  
 the interface being described using meta information, and wherein  
 the application having a mechanism for directly communicating with another application.  
   
   
   
       21 . The automation system according to  claim 20 , wherein distributed applications provide a common functionality.  
   
   
       22 . The automation system according to  claim 20 , wherein a central component has an overview of existing automation devices and their properties.  
   
   
       23 . The automation system according to  claim 21 , wherein a central component has an overview of existing automation devices and their properties.